Monthly Archives: May 2023

5 Ways to Prepare Your Car for a Summer Road Trip

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It’s summertime and there’s no better way to embrace the season than by hopping in the car for a road trip adventure. Before you hit the highway, it’s important to make sure your car is ready for the journey.

Summer Road Trip

To help you make sure your road trip goes according to plan follow this simple list of five ways to prepare your car for a smooth and enjoyable vacation.

Schedule a Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection

Before any long trip you should have your vehicle thoroughly inspected by a trusted auto technician. They will check the engine, brakes, fluid levels, tires, and all other vital components to ensure everything is in proper working order. Addressing any existing issues before your trip will help prevent potential breakdowns and ensure a safe and stress-free experience.

Check Tire Pressure and Rotate Your Tires

Your car’s tires are its only contact point with the road so taking care of them is essential to ensure your safety on the road. Begin by checking the tread depth and ensure there are no signs of uneven wear or damage. If your tires are worn, it’s advisable to replace them. Additionally, rotating the tires will promote even wear and enhance their lifespan, giving you a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency.

Change the Oil and Fluids

Regular oil changes are necessary for maintaining the health of your engine, which is especially important before a road trip. Schedule an oil change and ensure all other fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid, are at their recommended levels. This preventive maintenance step will help keep your car running reliably under the summer heat and reduce the risk of overheating or engine damage.

Check the Air Conditioning System

Your summer road trip is no time to have an AC failure. Make sure your car’s air conditioning system is in optimal condition before your trip. Test the AC unit to verify that it’s blowing cold air and check for any strange odors or noises. If you do notice anything strange, have a professional inspect and service the system. Staying cool and comfortable will make your time in the car much more enjoyable.

Bring an Emergency Kit

Unexpected situations can arise at any time, even during a road trip. As a precaution, assemble an emergency kit containing essential items such as a spare tire, jack, jumper cables, flashlight, first aid supplies, and a roadside assistance contact number. This kit will provide peace of mind and help prepare you for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise along the way.

Remember, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a memorable and trouble-free summer road trip. So buckle up, turn up the tunes, and embark on your summer adventure knowing that your car is ready to take you wherever the road leads. Safe travels!

What Does The Cooling System Do For My Car?

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Your car’s cooling system manages the important job of transferring excess heat from the vehicle engine to the radiator. Coolant added to the cooling system absorbs the heat and redirects it to the radiator where it is dispersed into the air. It may also be directed through the heat exchanger to heat the passenger area in winter. Coolant is made up of a 50/50 ratio mixture of ethylene or propylene glycol and water. While water alone could do the job of transferring heat, it is not used by itself because it would be too corrosive to the engine.

coolant system flushes

What happens if the cooling system fails?

Coolant is subject to rapid breakdown because it functions in a hot and hostile environment. Once the coolant’s rust inhibitors become depleted, corrosion may occur in the confined passages in the engine and radiator. Ultimately some corrosion will take place, even with rust inhibitors. The engine block is the main source of rust in a car’s cooling system. Particles of rust will clog radiator and heater passages, causing your engine to overheat. If coolant is not regularly monitored, the rust inhibitors stop working, and the cooling system rusts from the inside out. 

What maintenance does a cooling system need?

The beneficial elements found in coolant breakdown over time, which leaves the engine and radiator vulnerable to corrosion.  Eventually rust deposits can accumulate and clog the cooling system and radiator. The clogs lead to overheating, which is the most common cause of engine damage and breakdowns. A coolant flush and fill will prevent these deposits and overheating.  Getting a coolant flush and keeping the coolant fresh is much less trouble and expensive than repairing a heater core or radiator, or head gasket.

How often do I need to schedule coolant system maintenance?

The typical time frame for having cooling system maintenance done is two years or 30,000 miles. See your owner’s manual for your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.